In Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has launched a series of coordinated attacks against security forces and infrastructure, marking a significant escalation in its separatist insurgency. The group released images of two female ‘fidayeen’ (suicide) attackers, including Asifa Mengal, highlighting the growing involvement of women in frontline combat roles — a shift from the traditionally male-dominated rebellion. At least dozens of security personnel and civilians were killed in the violence. Pakistani authorities have responded with heavy military operations, raising concern over the conflict’s intensification and broader instability in the region. (PC: India Today)

The U.S. Department of Justice has released a new massive batch of Jeffrey Epstein files, revealing over 3 million documents tied to the late financier’s sex-trafficking network. The files include allegations that Epstein and associate Ghislaine Maxwell supplied victims to other men, with internal memos referencing encounters involving powerful figures such as Harvey Weinstein and financier Leon Black, though neither has been charged in relation to Epstein. Survivors’ lawyers argue the records support long-standing claims of broader complicity and criticize authorities for redacting perpetrator names while exposing victims’ stories. These disclosures are part of ongoing efforts to comply with mandatory transparency laws. (PC: AP)

Jonas Gahr Støre said he agrees with Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway after she admitted “poor judgement” over past contact with Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released US justice files list many email exchanges between them from 2011 to 2014. In a statement, the princess said, “I showed poor judgement and regret having any contact with Epstein at all.” She also shared “deep sympathy” for victims. The prime minister said her own words were clear and sufficient. Reports say she visited one of Epstein’s homes in 2013 when he was not present. The disclosures have led to renewed public scrutiny in Norway. (PC: BBC)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state. She was joined by Trinamool Congress leaders and families who said they were affected by the revision process. The party said a 15-member delegation attended the meeting at the Election Commission office. It included Abhishek Banerjee and MP Kalyan Banerjee. Several participants wore black shawls as a mark of protest. The party claimed some living people were marked as dead in records. It also said some families faced stress linked to the SIR process. Security was increased around the EC office. (PC: India Today)

Rafah Border Crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened for limited civilian movement after months of closure, Israeli and Egyptian officials said. The gate had been mostly shut since Israeli forces took control of the Gaza side in May 2024. Officials said only small numbers will be allowed to cross each day. Priority will go to sick and wounded Palestinians. Israeli reports say about 50 patients daily can leave with one or two relatives. European Union supervisors and Palestinian staff are managing operations, with Israeli security checks done remotely. The World Health Organization is helping move medical patients for treatment abroad. (PC: BBC)

At least 12 miners were killed after a Russian drone strike hit a bus in eastern Ukraine, according to energy company DTEK and local officials. The bus was carrying workers after their shift in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Emergency services said at least 15 people were injured. DTEK first reported 15 deaths but later revised the toll to 12. Ukrainian officials also reported other strikes overnight. A drone hit a maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia and injured six people. Regional head Ivan Fedorov said the attack happened while women were giving birth. Russia had earlier said it would pause attacks on energy sites during the cold snap. (PC: BBC)

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has released a video showing a woman suicide attacker taking part in a recent armed operation in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The woman, identified by the group as Hawa Baloch, is seen firing a rifle and delivering a recorded message hours before her death. She claims Pakistani forces were afraid to confront them and calls on Baloch supporters to join the fight. The video appears to be filmed at night on a phone camera. It ends with visuals of two dead fighters. Pakistan’s military said more than 130 separatists were killed in two days of counter-operations. The BLA also reported its own casualties.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani was heckled by protesters outside his official residence after new Epstein-related records mentioned his mother, filmmaker Mira Nair. Videos showed people shouting “shame” and “you lied to us” near Gracie Mansion. The records include a 2009 email that refers to Nair attending an after-party at the townhouse of Ghislaine Maxwell. The message listed several public figures present at the event. The US Justice Department recently released millions of Epstein-linked documents and files. There is no allegation of wrongdoing against Nair in the email. Mamdani has not issued a detailed public response to the protest at the time of reporting. (PC: India Today)

Pakistan security forces are carrying out large search operations in Balochistan after coordinated militant attacks left more than 190 people dead in two days. Officials said those killed include civilians, security personnel, and militants. The provincial chief minister said cleared areas are now under control and warned, “Our blood is not that cheap. We will chase them until their hideouts.” The attacks hit banks, police stations, jails, and military sites. Mobile internet and train services remain suspended in many areas. Pakistan ministers accused India of supporting the attackers without sharing proof. India denied the charge and called the allegations “baseless” and meant to deflect from internal issues. (PC: HT)

UK politician Peter Mandelson has resigned from the Labour Party, saying his links to Jeffrey Epstein could cause “further embarrassment” after new US justice files were released. The papers mention three payments of $25,000 each in 2003 and 2004 linked to his name. Mandelson said the allegations are false and he has “no record or recollection” of the payments. In his letter, he wrote, “I do not wish to cause further embarrassment to the Labour Party and I am therefore stepping down.” He also repeated his apology to Epstein’s victims. Mandelson said he will review the claims and earlier questioned if the documents are authentic. (PC: BBC)